Chicken Pesto Panini is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that features grilled or toasted bread filled with tender chicken, flavorful pesto sauce, and often accompanied by other ingredients like melted cheese, tomatoes, and spinach. Here’s a basic recipe to make Chicken Pesto Panini:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bread (such as ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia)
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- Handful of fresh spinach leaves
- Olive oil or butter for grilling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also marinate them in a bit of olive oil and garlic if desired.
- Grill the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts on the preheated grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Panini: Take each slice of bread and spread a layer of pesto sauce on one side. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto on each slice of bread. Then layer with slices of grilled chicken, tomato, and spinach leaves.
- Close the sandwiches: Place the remaining slices of bread on top to close the sandwiches.
- Grill the Panini: Lightly brush the outsides of the sandwiches with olive oil or spread with butter. Place the sandwiches on the preheated Panini press or grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove the Panini from the grill, slice them in half if desired, and serve hot.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese. Enjoy your Chicken Pesto Panini!
